Trump Administration & Federal Government

We track federal legislation, budgets, policies, events and other issues with the aid of our Trump Administration & Federal Government Working Group. Each week, this team of volunteers shares news stories, research and other information on the federal government, discusses which items are ripe for action, and writes calls to action (C2As) that inform others and offer suggested actions. Members volunteer about an hour a week–a little more if they are writing that week’s call to action–and conduct their business via a closed Facebook page. Our C2As are distributed to 15,000-20,000 Mainers each week via our email list, our member forum and our partnerships with other regional and state groups. You can read some of our most recent C2As below.

If these topics are important to you and you have an hour or two to spare over an entire week, please email us at suitupmaine@gmail.com about joining our Trump Administration & Federal Government Working Group!

As Trump continues to deny the Russian cyberattack on the U.S., intelligence agencies say the midterm elections are vulnerable to more attacks.QUICK ACTION: Tell Congress to support bills to protect U.S. election systems, enforce Russian sanctions, and demand a hearing on the closed-door Trump-Putin meeting in Helsinki.

He lied to Congress, is credibly accused of sexual assault, lacks judicial temperament, and is hostile to Roe v. Wade. Need more reasons why Brett Kavanaugh should not serve on the Supreme Court?We’ve got the top seven reasons right here. Share them with your Senators and tell them you want them to vote NO on Kavanaugh.

The FBI reopened its background investigation of Brett Kavanaugh, but now the White House and Senate Republicans are attempting to drastically limit the people who can be interviewed.
QUICK ACTION: We’ve compiled a list of key witnesses and individuals the FBI must be free to interview. Tell your Senators: let the FBI do its job!

Sen. Collins, Having watched the testimony and read statements and affidavits related to charges of sexual assault and misconduct by Brett Kavanaugh, we are more certain than ever that reopening Judge Kavanaugh’s background investigation is of critical importance. The...

Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation is on shaky ground with credible accusations of sexual assault now public. Serious questions also remain about whether he lied under oath and whether senators should have access to more information relating to his time serving in the White House.QUICK ACTION: Tell Susan Collins to demand the FBI investigate assault claims, allow the National Archives to complete its work, and resolve questions of lying before any confirmation vote takes place.

A number of legal challenges are headed for the Supreme Court, the outcomes of which will affect the health, civil rights, environment, and economic stability of Mainers. Leaders of SUM and several advocacy groups met with Maine’s senators’ judicial advisers during Senate recess on Kavanaugh’s record on the issues.Read our report on these cases and Kavanaugh’s relevant history.

The Trump administration wants to add an untested and unnecessary citizenship question to the 2020 U.S. Census, which could discourage immigrant participation and potentially change how congressional seats are distributed among states. QUICK ACTION: Learn more and ask your MoCs to support the 2020 Census IDEA Act!

UPDATE: Brian Benczkowski has been confirmed.
Trump’s pick to lead the DOJ’s criminal division served on Trump’s transition team and also represented the Russian bank implicated in the Steele dossier, and many fear he could provide a back channel to Trump on Mueller’s investigation.

Customs and Border Patrol Agents are increasingly stopping motorists and bus passengers in Maine to question their immigration status.QUICK ACTION: Know what to do if you encounter these agents, and help others to know their rights.

The House narrowly passed its farm bill that was drafted behind closed doors cuts food assistance and gives massive subsidies to the rich. The Senate passed it’s own bipartisan plan that helps farmers without robbing millions of Americans of their vital food assistance. The bill now goes to conference. QUICK ACTION: Tell your MoCs to preserve the protections in the Senate bill and to vote NO on any version that hurts the poor and the environment.

Suit Up Maine is a statewide, all-volunteer, progressive, grassroots group of more than 5,400 Mainers that seeks to create and foster a more informed and engaged electorate. We raise awareness of and advocate for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. We are beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians, and we aren’t engaged in fundraising. Suit Up Maine fosters collaboration among our state’s progressive groups and organizations to collectively connect, educate, and motivate Mainers to rise in non-violent resistance to a regressive agenda.